Kansas City, MO – Coming off of their second consecutive trip to the NAIA national tournament, the Patriots women's basketball team will open the season receiving votes in the NAIA Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced by the national office Wednesday.  It marks the first time since the 2013-14 season that UC is mentioned in the first national poll of the season.

Cumberlands went 20-13 overall last year, including a 13-9 record in conference play.  They finished third in the Mid-South Conference and advanced to national tournament, where they were the eighth-seed in the Naismith Bracket.  It was their first 20 win season since the 2011-12 season.

The Patriots have returned eight players from last year's squad, including four starters.  The returners are highlighted by Kassie Monday, the reigning MSC Freshman of the Year, who averaged 15.8 points and 4.1 assists per game a year ago.  MSC Second Team All-Conference selection Destiny Haworth is back looking to improve on her 45.7% shooting from behind the arc, while Channing Lewis and Kaylie Monday round out Cumberlands returning starters.

Cumberlands has also added nine newcomers to their squad, which will provide depth and options for Head Coach Rick Reeves and staff.  Coach Reeves has high expectation for these newcomers, who are highlighted by Lakin Burke, Victory Fredricks, and Amerah Steele.

Defending NAIA national champion Thomas More is the top team in the country after earning 19 first place votes and 590 points.  Westmont received two first-place votes and are ranked second, while Morningside tallied 515 points to be ranked third.  MSC schools Campbellsville is tied for fourth, while Georgetown is 15^th with 267 points.

The Patriots open their 2022-23 season on Friday when they take part in the West Virginia Tech Classic.  UC will face Bluefield at 4 p.m. on October 28, before squaring off with Voorhees at 1 p.m. on the 29^th.

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